Abstract
Cognitive decline is associated with lifestyle-related factors such as overweight, blood pressure, and dietary composition. Studies have reported beneficial effects of dietary anthocyanins on cognition in older adults and children. However, the effect of anthocyanin-rich Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) on cognition is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of long-term supplementation with AME on cognitive performance, mood, and vascular function in healthy, middle-aged, overweight adults. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel study, 101 participants either consumed 90 mg AME, 150 mg AME, or placebo for 24 weeks. The grooved pegboard test, number cross-out test, and Stroop test were performed as measures for psychomotor speed, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Mood was evaluated with a visual analogue scale, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined, and vascular function was assessed by carotid ultrasounds and blood pressure measurements. AME improved psychomotor speed compared to placebo (90 mg AME: change = −3.37; p = 0.009). Furthermore, 150 mg AME decreased brachial diastolic blood pressure compared to 90 mg AME (change = 2.44; p = 0.011), but not compared to placebo. Attention, cognitive flexibility, BDNF, and other vascular parameters were not affected. In conclusion, AME supplementation showed an indication of beneficial effects on cognitive performance and blood pressure in individuals at risk of cognitive decline.
Highlights
Cognitive decline is normal and inevitable age-associated deterioration of cognitive performance, which is implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia [1].Gradual degradation of cognitive functions commences in early adulthood and starts progressing more rapidly during mid-life [2]
Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) supplementation was well tolerated by participants and did not display changes in liver function as assessed by the measure of ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in serum following 24 weeks of AME
The effects of 24 weeks of supplementing an Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) rich rich in anthocyanins on cognitive performance and mood in middle-aged overweight adults were in anthocyanins on cognitive performance and mood in middle-aged overweight adults were assessed
Summary
Cognitive decline is normal and inevitable age-associated deterioration of cognitive performance, which is implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia [1].Gradual degradation of cognitive functions commences in early adulthood and starts progressing more rapidly during mid-life [2]. Cognitive decline is normal and inevitable age-associated deterioration of cognitive performance, which is implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia [1]. Around 15–20% of individuals aged over 60 years old present with mild cognitive impairment, a condition which alters their ability to learn new information or to recall stored information, without severe impairments in daily functioning [5]. There is increasing evidence that these individuals have a greater risk of developing more serious cognitive impairment or even dementia [6]. Considering the ageing population, it is apparent that the incidence of individuals who will suffer from the consequences associated with cognitive impairment will increase. There is an urgent need to develop strategies to delay or even prevent the onset of cognitive impairment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
